We would like to extend a warm welcome to everybody who joined us on Saturday at Arkaba Oval, especially to Herman de Roos who is doing us the honour of tossing the commemorative Life Member coin for this clash against Onka’s. Herman was joined by his wife Glenda, Son Simon and his wife Emma and Grandchildren Isaac and Stella, Daughter Nicky with Granddaughters Emily, and Johanna.
- Herman is Life Member of Heathfield Aldgate United and was also appointed Life Member of Mt Lofty Football Club in 1986
- He played junior football for Stirling – being a Premiership player in the Stirling Senior Colts in 1960.
- Herman began his Senior career with Stirling in 1962 and only ever missed 2 games through injury, He eventually retired in 1981 after 367 A Grade matches (with Stirling, Heathfield Aldgate United and Mt Lofty) with a sprinkling of B Grade games in his final year.
- Ten years later, he came out of retirement to “fill in” in the B Grade, joining his teenage sons Simon and Cory in a very memorable match for the family.
- He played in 9 HAU A Grade Premierships in 1967 and 1968 and then in 7 successive HAU Premierships between 1971 and 1977 which include the then Australian Record of 87 matches without loss.
- Representing the HFL in Lovelock Shield matches in 1967, 68, 71 and 78 and twice a runner up in the Mail Medal in 1977 and 1978
- He was runner up in the HAU A Grade Best and Fairest on 4 occasions – 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978.
- In a Courier article covering a function to celebrate his 350th senior game he was described as “….a tough uncompromising defender who rarely fails to perform. He is a model for any young footballer both in the skills of the game and his attitude.”
- Was a member of many committees and boards, carrying out several voluntary club positions over the decades, including President of the Mt Lofty Football Club in 1986 and then junior coaching when his sons Simon and Cory began playing
- Herman was a draftsman and prepared the first conceptual drawings of the two storey Licensed Club back in the mid 1960’s and which we now know as the “Pavilion”.
Thank you for everything you have done for our Clubs Herman!
